IC Markets vs RoboForex – Malta Trader Comparison 2026

When comparing trading costs for Malta traders, IC Markets has a clear edge. On a Raw Spread account, you will see spreads as low as 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of roughly $3.50 per side per lot. RoboForex also offers an ECN account with spreads from 0.0 pips, but its standard account carries spreads from 1.3 pips with no commission. For a Maltese retail trader executing multiple lots a day, paying slightly lower commissions and tighter spreads on IC Markets significantly reduces the overall cost. If you only trade occasionally and prefer no-commission standard accounts, RoboForex can be acceptable, but the wider spread means you start each trade at a small disadvantage. Additionally, IC Markets provides more transparent cost pricing, which matters when you are trading in USD from Malta.

Maltese traders expect stable and flexible platforms, and both brokers cover that well. IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader, all available on desktop, web and mobile. That is ideal for traders who want fast order entry and customisable charts. RoboForex also supports MT4 and MT5, plus its R StocksTrader platform for those who want to trade stocks and shares alongside forex. From Malta, platform latency is more important than many realise; IC Markets has servers in London and New York, providing low-latency access for European clients. RoboForex also runs servers in London, which keeps execution acceptable for Malta-based users. If you prefer a raw, transparent trading environment with access to all platforms without restrictions, IC Markets is the better fit. RoboForex is still good, especially if you want a single login to multiple asset classes.

Execution quality matters when you are trading volatile markets from Malta. IC Markets uses low-latency servers in major data centres such as London, New York and Hong Kong, with an average execution speed of around 40ms. This is a significant boost for scalpers and day traders. RoboForex also maintains London-based servers, but its infrastructure is not at the same level as IC Markets, which is trusted by institutional players. From Malta, both brokers provide reasonable execution, but IC Markets consistently offers lower slippage and fewer requotes. If you execute high-volume manual or algorithmic strategies, IC Markets is the better choice.

Regulation is a critical point for Malta traders. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as well as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom for certain entities, which means client funds are held in segregated accounts and strict reporting is required. RoboForex is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize, an offshore regulator. Neither broker has a license from Malta's local financial regulator, the MFSA. For Maltese clients, this means losing access to local investor compensation schemes. However, IC Markets' tier-1 regulatory oversight offers more protection and transparency than RoboForex's offshore status. If MFSA regulation is a hard requirement for you, you may need to choose a broker with a local license. Otherwise, IC Markets is clearly the more robust choice from a safety perspective.

Depositing and withdrawing from Malta is straightforward at both IC Markets and RoboForex thanks to shared payment options. Maltese traders can use Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller and USDT TRC20. IC Markets processes Skrill and Neteller deposits in near real-time and withdrawals typically complete within 24 hours. Bank transfers may take 3–5 business days and are subject to bank processing charges. USDT TRC20 is a strong option for Malta because transactions settle on-chain in about 30 to 60 minutes, but you will need a compatible wallet. RoboForex also supports the same four methods, and its processing times are similar. For withdrawals, both brokers aim to return funds using the original payment method where possible. When using Skrill or Neteller, ensure your account is verified and keep the same email. Also note that the base currency on both brokers is set to USD for this comparison, so deposits made in EUR in Malta may be converted at the broker's internal rate. Always check for conversion costs before sending money.

For Muslim traders in Malta, both IC Markets and RoboForex offer swap-free Islamic accounts. IC Markets provides this option on its Raw and Standard accounts, removing all swap charges on overnight positions, and you can enable it by contacting support. RoboForex also supports Islamic accounts on selected platforms, including MT4 and MT5, allowing Malta-based Muslim traders to comply with Sharia principles. There is no additional cost to open an Islamic account at either broker, although IC Markets may apply administrative adjustments for extended holds on certain instruments. If you are based in Malta and intend to trade without interest, you can safely consider either. We recommend reaching out to each broker during account opening to confirm the current terms and specify your preference.

Customer support is essential for Maltese traders, especially during high-impact news events. IC Markets provides 24/7 support through live chat and email, with fast response times and a comprehensive FAQ. RoboForex also offers 24/7 support via live chat, phone and email, but response times can be slower during peak hours. Since Malta is on Central European Time, you will find both brokers cover EU trading hours well. For a Maltese retail trader who needs immediate assistance with deposits, withdrawals or platform issues, IC Markets' more reliable service is an advantage. RoboForex remains useful, but we have seen more mixed feedback from Malta traders regarding long resolution times.